Maria Commins: Braces: 8 Months In- The Low Down!

I always thought I'd fairly okay teeth. They were white, healthy and slightly crooked on the top front however nothing I ever thought would warrant orthodontic treatment. I barely paid any heed to them in college or when I was abroad. I thought they were, like you know, grand! It was only maybe this time last year that they started to bother me. I started to notice that my smile was wonkier and a bit more lob sided than usual in photos! Heaven forbid!
Anyway, I went for my consultation in Keenan Orthodontics, Castlebar in April last year. They also have a practice in Forster Street, Galway. He told me I needed 4 teeth out to make room to straighten my top front and bottom front teeth. I got those 4 teeth out with my own dentist. I found this the most traumatic part of my braces journey so far. It wasn't my dentist's fault but the act of it was just sheer barbaric!
I made an appointment for June 13th in the Castlebar practice. I opted for clear on top and the ordinary 'train tracks' on the bottom. The dental nurse actually puts on the braces and the wires and the orthodontist sticks his head in to double check their work. All he said was “See ya in 12 weeks' and sent me on my way complete with a folder on what not to eat with braces, and advised to take regular pain relief for the first 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Are they sore?
They weren't sore at all the day they were put on. I had a small bit of pain on the second and third day but I was expecting it to be a lot worse. Maybe that's why I didn't find it too bad. It's the teeth moving that causes the pain.

Are they annoying?
Yes, they sure are annoying. I constantly have to check my teeth to make sure there is nothing lurking. I can't go anywhere without my intra-dental brushes. You definitely get used to having them though. After a few weeks adjusting to your braces, checking your teeth after meals will be part of your routine.

Are they expensive?
All dental work is expensive, that's just the way it is. I had to pay €730 deposit up front and have to pay €175 a month for 20 months so all in all that comes to €4230. So yes, they are pretty expensive.

How long do you need to wear them?
My orthodontist expects me to have them on for 2 years in total therefore I've another 16 months to go. Every case is different though, it could be longer or shorter than 2 years.

How often do you need to have your wires changed?
Again every case is different. I started off as 12 weeks, before reducing to 8 weeks, then 6 weeks and 6 weeks again so God knows what he's going to say to me the next time I go in.

Are they worth it?
I have mine on for 8 months and already I have noticed a difference. The gaps are beginning to close where I had the teeth removed and my top teeth have slightly straightened out. I have definitely seen progress.